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Head - engine interface

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tahoe healey

tahoe healey

Yoda
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HELP!
So now that I've pulled the head form the engine, I see swirl ridges on the under side of the head. I've done an MGB and Jag XK180 but have never seen these ridges form machining. I'm assuming the oil seepage is oil running along these ridges and out the side of the block (on the spark plug side and rear at the trans).
Can I use some form of sealent on the head gasket on that side or do I need to find a shop that can smooth this flat?
Or, is it suppose to be this way?????
I hate supprises!!!!!
By the way, I've always had good compression and oil pressure of 60 to 40 when hot.
 
Sounds like you are looking of the IMAGES of the machining process. Are these "RIDGES" deep enough to feel with a fingernail? The chances of a good machine shop leaving something with that coarse a finish are slim. However, having another few thousandths taken off to true it up would be prudent and give you peace of mind. As far as sealant is concerned I go by the gasket mfr directions. Bob
 
Bob, thanks for the rapid answer. Yes, they can be felt with the fingernail. Like record grove (remember those)only spaced further. They left ridge impressions in the old gasket. The new one is a Payen from Moss. No instructions but Moss "tech" says dry. The block is nice and smooth.
 
A decent machine shop will give the head back with the proper RA (roughness average) depending on whether intended for a steel or composite gasket.

I've had to have aluminum (BMW) cylinder heads ground finer when upgrading from an OE composite gasket to an aftermarket MLS gskt.

Taking off a few more thousandths from something as thick as a Healey head should pose no problems.
 
I called Norm Nock and he said it should be mirror smooth. Found a machine shop who laughed when I brought it in. It came out fine (I hope).
Thanks for the input.
 
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